Best Museum Sleepovers in the US

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”Night at the Museum” Experience

Who didn’t watch “Night at the Museum” and wonder what really happens in the museum after dark? Find out for yourself with one of these museum sleepovers for kids! These museum sleepovers include special activities, after-hours access to the exhibits, and more.

American Museum of Natural History – New York City

For Ages: 6 to 13
A Night at the Museum Sleepover takes kids through the dim-lit halls of the American Museum of Natural History and its towering dinosaurs, 94-foot-long blue whale, and herds of buffalo. The museum sleepover begins at 5:45 p.m. and runs until 9 a.m. for kids and their parents. Admission includes a fossil fact-finding mission, 3D show in the LeFrak Theatre, an evening snack, light breakfast, and take-home activities. Cots are provided, but kids need sleeping bags, pillows and flashlights of their own. Sleepovers are held on various Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year. Scout Nights for children ages 6 to 16 are offered.

Carnegie Science Center – Pittsburgh

For Ages: All Ages
The Carnegie Science Center offers themed museum sleepovers, including a Polar Express Sleepover, Engineering Challenge Sleepover, Camp-In Sleepover and Beauty and the Beast Sleepover. Sleepovers include live shows, an Omnimax movie, theme-related activities, and free time to explore the museum exhibits. Late-night snacks and continental breakfast are included as well. Bring a sleeping bag and a pillow. Sleepovers begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9:30 a.m., with more time to explore the exhibits during the day.

Museum of Science – Boston

For Ages: Grades 1 to 7
Groups of 10 or more are invited to spend the night at Boston’s Museum of Science, where guests will sleep beneath the watchful gaze of its T-Rex. This museum sleepover includes science activities and demonstrations, a planetarium show, IMAX show, and a Theater of Electricity Lightning! Show. Plus kids will have a chance to explore the museum in the dark! The program begins at 6:45 p.m. (with check-in from 5 to 6:30 p.m.) and ends at 11 a.m., and includes an evening snack and breakfast.

Museum of Science and Industry – Chicago

For Ages: 6 to 12
Groups of 10 or more can visit the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry‘s “Science Snoozeums” and sleep beneath a 727, near a giant heart or beside a toy-making factory. On select Fridays and Saturdays each month, guests can explore the museum, take part in a museum-wide scavenger hunt and catch an Omnimax film. Programs begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 a.m. and include snacks and breakfast. One parent for every five children must chaperone the sleepover. Dinner is available for purchase at the museum’s Brain Food Court.

Natural History Museum – Los Angeles

For Ages: 5 and Up
Children can select from a variety of themed nights including Dino Detectives, Once Upon a Butterfly, Extreme Flyers, Ice Age Adventures, Museum-ologists and Eye Spy Adventures at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. Sleepovers begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 a.m. and families receive free admission to the museum the next day. Snacks and a light breakfast are provided, but guests should eat dinner before arriving. Bring sleeping bags and flashlights, too.